By Alec Hogg
Americans, Germans and most people from Asia are bemused at our affection for Public Holidays. Particularly in April which, for South African businesses, has become a second December. These hard working foreigners are right, of course. But only when one assesses it through their workaholic lenses.
Having enjoyed this April more than most was helped by recalling the wisdom shared by a long-time associate who has risen to the very top in his chosen field. The greatest asset one can possess, he maintains, is an ability to reflect. That means being able to step away from the noise, assess things dispassionately, and consider the issues in a mature way.
This ability to reflect, he concluded, is a rare and under-utilised attribute. It made a big impression. So nowadays instead of cursing when another round of holidays arrives, I’ve joined his view that being forced to slow down occasionally isn’t a bad thing. Provided, that is, the time off is used to productively. And not to replicate the hectic pace of the workplace in social activities.
Yesterday’s top five stories
This is the future: Elon Musk betting $5bn on super batteries
Warning from Keith Engel: SA seeing “beginnings of a tax revolt”
The Legal Details: How Belvedere kingpins believe Biznews defamed them
Lucy Kellaway: How to handle those xxx (kisses) at the bottom of business emails
Subscribe to Alec Hogg’s free daily newsletter
[mc4wp_form]
